BENIN CITY – The Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof. (Mrs) Idia Ize-Iyamu, has emerged as the 10th National President of the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists (NAO).
Prof. Ize-Iyamu, who will lead the association for the next three years, was elected at the investiture and handover ceremony in Benin City.
In her acceptance speech, she expressed gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in her, pledging to promote excellence in orthodontic care, education and research.
She promised to work with her executive to advance the field of orthodontics in Nigeria and address pressing challenges, particularly the shortage of orthodontic services in underserved areas.
She noted that with only 74 orthodontists serving a population of over 237.5 million Nigerians, the gap must be urgently addressed.
Prof. Ize-Iyamu assured members that her leadership would be guided by inclusivity, transparency and accountability, adding that innovation and global best practices would be embraced to improve patient care.
She invited members to share expertise and ideas that would strengthen the association and contribute to oral health in Nigeria.
Until her emergence as president, Prof. Ize-Iyamu was the Vice President of the association.
She succeeded Dr. Olayinka Adeyinka, who expressed confidence that her successor would take NAO to greater heights.
The ceremony was attended by Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo; Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa; former Deputy Governor, Dr. Pius Egberanmwen Odubu; Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu; UBTH DCMAC, Dr. Fidelis Eki-Udoko; Acting Director of Administration UBTH, Mrs. Joy Oyakhilome; UBTH PRO, Barr. Joshua Uwaila, among others.
